Track tensioning biasing system for a tracked vehicle

ABSTRACT

A track tensioning system for a tracked vehicle having left and right tracks includes a biasing system for simultaneously providing track tensioning to both tracks by biasing each track through a track-tensioning arc. The biasing system may include a linear force-generating system for generating a track-tensioning force. The linear force-generating system may for example be a spring or a piston and cylinder assembly. The biasing system may also include a pivoting rocker arm assembly for transmitting the track-tensioning force from the linear force-generating system to the tracks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Track-driven machines typically require a system for maintaining propertension in the tracks. The tension in the tracks must be sufficient toprovide a driving friction force between a drive wheel and the track,but may not be so large as to damage the machine components or thetrack.

Improved methods and systems for tensioning tracks are needed. A trackmay be tensioned by biasing a wheel that engages the track. Varioussystems have been provided for tensioning a track by biasing a wheel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A track tensioning system for a tracked vehicle having left and righttracks includes a biasing system for simultaneously providing tracktensioning to both tracks by biasing each track through atrack-tensioning arc. The biasing system may include a linearforce-generating system for generating a track-tensioning force. Thelinear force-generating system may for example be a spring or a pistonand cylinder assembly. The biasing system may also include a pivotingrocker arm assembly for transmitting the track-tensioning force from thelinear force-generating system to the tracks.

In another embodiment, a track tensioning system for tensioning a leftand right track on a tracked vehicle includes a left track tensioningwheel arranged and configured to engage the left track, a right tracktensioning wheel arranged and configured to engage the right track, aforce generating system for providing a track tensioning force, and acoupling system arranged and configured to couple the left tracktensioning wheel and right track tensioning wheel to the forcegenerating system. The left track tensioning wheel may be rotatablearound a left rotation axis and pivotable in a left pivot plane around aleft pivot axis that is displaced from the left rotation axis. The righttrack tensioning wheel may be rotatable around a right rotation axis andpivotable in a right pivot plane around a right pivot axis that isdisplaced from the right rotation axis.

The coupling system may be arranged and configured to couple the lefttrack tensioning wheel and right track tensioning wheel to the forcegenerating system for transmitting the biasing force from the forcegenerating system to the left and right track tensioning wheels fortensioning the left and right track. The coupling system may include arocker plate that is pivotably coupled to the force generating systemfor balancing the tension in the left and right tracks. The rocker platemay be coupled to the force generating system with a spherical bearing.The system may also include a left wheel plate that couples the rockerplate to the left track tensioning wheel and a right wheel plate thatcouples the rocker plate to the right track tensioning wheel. The rockerplate may be coupled to the left wheel plate with a left sphericalbearing and coupled to the right wheel plate with a right sphericalbearing. The tracked vehicle may define orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes andthe rocker plate may be pivotable around each of the X, Y and Z axes.

The left pivot plane and right pivot plane may be substantiallyparallel. The left pivot plane and right pivot plane may also besubstantially vertical. The rocker plate may have a neutral position inwhich the rocker plate is substantially perpendicular to the left pivotplane and right pivot plane.

The force generating system may include a piston and cylinder assembly.The piston and cylinder assembly may include a first end and a secondend, the second end being coupled to the rocker plate by the sphericalbearing. The frame may include portions defining a pocket for receivingthe first end of the piston and cylinder assembly.

The track tensioning system may also include a bolt that couples theleft wheel assembly to the right wheel assembly.

In another embodiment, a track tensioning system for simultaneouslytensioning left and right tracks on a tracked vehicle includes a frame,left and right wheel plate assemblies that are each coupled to theframe, a rocker plate that is coupled to the left and right wheel plateassemblies, and a cylinder assembly having a front end and a back end,the front end being pivotably coupled to the rocker plate, the back endbeing supported by the frame. The cylinder assembly may be actuated tobias the rocker plate and the left and right wheel plate assemblies totension the left and right tracks. The rocker plate may pivot to balancethe tension in the left and right tracks.

The left wheel plate assembly may include a left wheel that is rotatablearound a left wheel rotation axis and arranged and configured to engagethe left track. The left wheel plate assembly may be pivotable in a leftpivot plane around a left pivot axis that is displaced from the wheelrotation axis. The right wheel plate assembly may include a right wheelthat is rotatable around a wheel rotation axis and arranged andconfigured to engage the right track. The right wheel plate assembly maybe pivotable in a right pivot plane around a right pivot axis that isdisplaced from the wheel rotation axis. The left pivot plane may besubstantially parallel to the right pivot plane. The left and rightpivot planes may be substantially vertical. The left wheel rotation axisand right wheel rotation axes may be substantially parallel to therespective left and right pivot axis. The rocker plate may have aneutral position in which the rocker plate is substantiallyperpendicular to the left and right wheel plate assemblies. The rockerplate may be pivotable in three dimensions relative to the cylinderassembly. The rocker plate may be coupled to the cylinder assembly witha spherical bearing. The cylinder assembly may move through asubstantially vertical cylinder pivot plane. A constant pressure may bemaintained in the cylinder assembly for automatically adjusting thetension in the tracks.

The left and right wheel plate assemblies may each be pivotable in threedimensions relative to the rocker plate. The left and right wheelassemblies may each be coupled to the rocker plate with a sphericalbearing.

The frame may include a left supporting surface and a right supportingsurface. The left wheel plate assembly may be slidably supported by theleft supporting surface of the frame and the right wheel plate assemblymay be slidably supported by the right supporting surface of the frame.The left wheel plate assembly may be laterally displaced a distance fromthe right wheel plate assembly. The left and right supporting surfacesof the frame may prevent the left and right wheel plate assemblies frommoving inward out of alignment with the tracks. The rocker plate mayprevent the left and right wheel plate assemblies from moving outwardout of alignment with the tracks.

The left and right wheel plate assemblies may each be coupled to therocker plate with a spherical bearing. The system may include a shaftcoupled to each end of the rocker plate. Each shaft may include a bodyfor engaging a spherical bearing and a threaded end extending outwardlybeyond the spherical bearing. The system may also include a nut engagedon the threaded end of each shaft. The system may also include a boltthat couples the left plate assembly to the right plate assembly.

The left wheel assembly and right wheel assembly may each include adrive wheel that is coupled to a hydraulic drive motor. The left wheelassembly may include a drive plate, a gear system housing coupled to thedrive plate, and a gear system contained within the gear system housing,the gear system being coupled to the hydraulic motor and the drivewheel. The gear system may include a planetary gear system.

The system may also include a relief valve for relieving pressure in thecylinder to permit retraction of the left and right wheel plateassemblies when the interaction of the track tensioning system with astationary object causes a pressure spike.

In another embodiment, a method of adjusting the tension in a left andright track on a tracked vehicle includes providing a frame, a lefttrack tensioning system arranged and configured to bias the left trackthrough an arc for tensioning the left track, a right track tensioningsystem arranged and configured to bias the right track through an arcfor tensioning the right track, a cylinder assembly for providing atrack tensioning force, and a load coupling and balancing system forcoupling the cylinder assembly to the left track tensioning system andthe right track tensioning system. The load coupling and balancingsystem may include a rocker arm that is coupled to the left tracktensioning system and the right track tensioning system. The method mayfurther include the step of extending the cylinder assembly to increasethe tension in the tracks, and retracting the cylinder assembly todecrease the tension in the tracks. The method may also include pivotingthe rocker plate to balance the tension in the two tracks.

The method may also include the step of providing a constant pressure inthe cylinder assembly. The constant pressure in the cylinder assemblymay cause the cylinder assembly to extend in response to a reduction intension in the tracks.

In another embodiment, a track tensioning system includes a frame havinga left side and a right side, a cylinder assembly pivotably coupled tothe frame, a rocker assembly coupled to the cylinder assembly with aspherical bearing, a left track interface assembly that is pivotablycoupled to the left side of the frame, and a right track interfaceassembly that is pivotably coupled to the right side of the frame. Thecylinder assembly may include a cylinder and a piston slidably disposedwithin the cylinder. The rocker assembly may include a rocker arm. Theleft track interface assembly may include a left side plate that iscoupled to the rocker assembly with a spherical bearing and a left wheelthat is arranged and configured to interface with a left vehicular drivetrack. The left wheel may be rotatably coupled to the left side plate.The right track interface assembly may include a right side plate thatis coupled to the rocker assembly with a spherical bearing and a rightwheel that is arranged and configured to interface with a rightvehicular drive track. The right wheel may be rotatably coupled to theright side plate.

The tension in the first and second vehicular drive tracks may beadjusted by sliding the piston in the cylinder to actuate the rocker armand pivot the first track interface assembly and second track interfaceassembly around the pivot axis.

The track left and right track interface assemblies may each include adrive mechanism. The drive mechanism may include a hydraulic drivemotor. The track interface assembly may also include a left pivot memberextending inwardly for pivotably coupling the left track interfaceassembly to the frame.

In another embodiment, a track tensioning system for a tracked vehiclehaving both a frame with left and right side members as well as left andright tracks that are both configured to translate along the ground tomove the vehicle includes left and right wheel plates locatedsubstantially adjacent to a respective side member. Left and rightwheels are coupled to the respective left and right wheel plates. Theleft and right wheels are coupled to the left and right tracks androtate on a rotational axis so that, as the tracks translate along theground, both wheels rotate with the tracks. For providing tracktensioning to the tracks, each wheel plate pivots against the respectiveside member of the frame on a pivot axis that is displaced form therotational axis. The left and right wheel plates may pivot insubstantially parallel pivot planes. The substantially parallel pivotplanes may be vertical. The left wheel plate may pivot around a leftpivot axis and the right pivot plate may pivot around a right pivotaxis. The left pivot axis and right pivot axis may be collinear. Theleft wheel plate and right wheel plate may be coupled together with abolt extending along the pivot axis. The wheel plates may each bepivotably coupled to the frame with a bushing.

In another embodiment, a system for tensioning a track includes a tracktensioning wheel for engaging and tensioning a track, a biasing systemfor providing a track tensioning force, a frame having a planar surfacemember that defines a pivoting plane, and a pivoting wheel plate that iscoupled to the track tensioning wheel and to the biasing system. Thetrack tensioning wheel may be rotatable around a wheel rotation axis.The pivoting wheel plate may be supported substantially against theplanar surface member of the frame and may be pivotable in the pivotingplane around a pivot axis that is displaced from the wheel rotationaxis. The pivoting wheel plate may slide substantially against theplanar surface member of the frame as the pivoting wheel plate pivots totension a track. The pivoting plane may be substantially vertical.

The system may include a second pivoting wheel plate and a second tracktensioning wheel for engaging a second track. The frame may include asecond planar surface that defines a second pivoting plane, the secondpivoting wheel plate being supported against the second planar surfaceand being pivotable in the second pivoting plane. The second pivotingwheel plate may slide against the second planar surface of the frame asthe second pivoting wheel plate pivots to tension a second track.

The system may also include a coupling system for coupling the wheelplates together. The coupling system may include a rocker arm thatcouples the pivoting wheel plate assemblies together. The rocker arm maypivot to balance the tension in the first and second tracks. The systemmay also include side plate spherical bearings that couple the wheelplate assemblies to the rocker arm.

The system may also include a pivot tube for coupling the pivoting wheelplate to the frame. The frame may include a frame tube for receiving thepivot tube, the frame tube having an inner diameter that is larger thanthe outer diameter of the pivot tube for rotatably supporting the pivottube.

In another embodiment, a track tensioning system for balancing the tracktension forces in left and right tracks on a tracked vehicle includes aframe, a left wheel plate assembly that is coupled to the frame, a rightwheel plate assembly that is coupled to the frame, and a rocker armmember that is coupled to the frame and to the left and right wheelplate assemblies. The left wheel plate assembly may include a left wheelthat is rotatable around a left wheel rotation axis, the left wheelplate assembly being pivotable in a left pivot plane around a left pivotaxis that is displaced from the left wheel rotation axis. The left wheelplate assembly may be arranged and configured to engage the left track.The right wheel plate assembly may include a right wheel that isrotatable around a right wheel rotation axis, the right wheel plateassembly being pivotable in a right pivot plane around a right pivotaxis that is displaced from the right wheel rotation axis. The rightwheel plate assembly may be arranged and configured to engage the righttrack. The rocker arm member may transfer track tension forces betweenthe left track and the right track, and the left wheel plate assemblyand right wheel plate assembly may pivot to balance the tension in thetracks.

The left pivot plane may be substantially parallel to the right pivotplane. The left and right pivot planes may be substantially vertical.The rocker arm member may have a neutral position in which the rockerarm member is substantially perpendicular to the left and right wheelplate assemblies. The left wheel rotation axis may be substantiallyparallel to the left pivot axis.

The left and right wheel plate assemblies may each be pivotable in threedimensions relative to the rocker arm member and may be coupled to therocker arm member with a spherical bearing. The rocker arm member may bepivotable in three dimensions relative to the frame and may be coupledto the frame with a rocker spherical bearing. The rocker sphericalbearing may be coupled to a linkage which is coupled to the frame.

The frame may include a left supporting surface and a right supportingsurface. The left wheel plate assembly may be slidably supported by theleft supporting surface of the frame and the right wheel plate assemblymay be slidably supported by the right supporting surface of the frame.

The left wheel plate assembly may be laterally displaced a distance fromthe right wheel plate assembly. The left and right supporting surfacesof the frame may prevent the left and right wheel plate assemblies frommoving inward out of alignment with the tracks. The rocker arm membermay prevent the left and right wheel plate assemblies from movingoutward out of alignment with the tracks. A bolt may also be provided tocouples the left plate assembly to the right plate assembly.

The left and right wheel plate assemblies may each be coupled to therocker arm member with a spherical bearing. A shaft may be coupled toeach end of the rocker arm member. Each shaft may include a body forengaging a spherical bearing and a threaded end extending outwardlybeyond the spherical bearing. A nut may be engaged on the threaded endof each shaft.

The left wheel assembly and right wheel assembly may each include adrive wheel that is coupled to a hydraulic drive motor. The left wheelassembly may include a drive plate, a gear system housing coupled to thedrive plate, and a gear system contained within the gear system housing,the gear system being coupled to the hydraulic motor and the drivewheel. The gear system may include a planetary gear system.

In another embodiment, a rocker arm assembly for a track tensioningsystem on the tracked vehicle includes a rocker arm member that iscoupled to the frame and is pivotable around the X, Y, and Z axesdefined by a vehicle frame. A tracked vehicle has a left and a righttrack, a left and a right wheel assembly each engaging a respectivetrack, and a frame defining orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The rocker armmember may also be coupled to the left and right wheel assemblies, sothat the rocker arm member may transmit track tensioning forces to theleft and right wheel assemblies for tensioning the tracks. The rockerarm assembly may also include a spherical bearing for coupling therocker arm member to the frame. Left and right spherical bearings mayalso be used for coupling the rocker arm member to respective left andright wheel assemblies. The rocker arm member may include a narrowedcenter portion for coupling the rocker arm to a linkage member. Therocker arm assembly may be adapted and configured for coupling to apiston and cylinder assembly.

In another embodiment, a track tensioning system for a tracked vehiclehaving left and right tracks includes a constant-force biasing systemfor automatically and simultaneously providing track tensioning to bothtracks by biasing each track through a track-tensioning arc. The tracktensioning system may include a linear force-generating system forgenerating a track-tensioning force. The linear force-generating systemmay include a spring. Alternatively, the linear force-generating systemmay include a piston and cylinder assembly, and a constant pressure maybe provided in the piston and cylinder assembly. The constant forcebiasing system may also include a pivoting rocker assembly fortransmitting the track-tensing force from the linear force-generatingsystem to the tracks. The pivoting rocker assembly may be pivotablearound orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. This coupling arrangement may permitthe rocker arm assembly to be pivoted such that the left track is biasedthrough a degree of displacement through the track tensioning arc andthe right track is biased through a degree of displacement through thetrack tensioning arc that is different from the degree of displacementof the left track. To couple the biasing system to the tracks, therocker arm assembly may be coupled to a left track tensioning wheel anda right track tensioning wheel that are coupled to a respective left andright track.

In another embodiment, a tracked vehicle has left and right tracks and abalanced track tensioning system. The balanced track tensioning systemincludes a biasing system for providing balanced track tensioning toboth tracks by independently biasing each track through atrack-tensioning arc. The biasing system may include a pivoting rockerassembly for transmitting a track-tensing force to the tracks. Therocker assembly may be pivotable around X, Y, and Z axes that aredefined by the balanced track tensioning system. The rocker arm assemblymay be pivoted such that the left track is biased through a degree ofdisplacement through the track tensioning arc and the right track isbiased through a degree of displacement through the track tensioning arcthat is different from the degree of displacement of the left track,wherein the left track and right track may be biased independently tobalance the tension in the left and right tracks. For coupling thebiasing system to the tracks, the rocker arm assembly may be coupled toa left track tensioning wheel and a right track tensioning wheel whichare coupled to a respective left and right track.

In another embodiment, a tracked vehicle has a left, a right track and atrack tensioning relief system. The track tensioning relief system mayinclude a left and right track tensioning system each configured totension a respective track, a force-generating system for providing atrack-tensioning force, a coupling system for coupling theforce-generating system to the left and right track tensioning systems,and a force-limiting system for restricting the amount of force providedby the force-generating system. The force-generating system may includea hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly. The force-limiting system mayinclude a hydraulic pressure relief valve. The left track tensioningsystem may include a frame and a track tensioning wheel that isrotatably coupled to the frame to rotate around a rotation axis. Thetrack tensioning wheel may be pivotably coupled to the frame to pivotaround a pivot axis that is displaced from the rotation axis. Each tracktensioning wheel may be configured to engage the a respective track, sothat pivoting the left track tensioning wheel around the pivot axistensions the left track.

Another embodiment includes a cylinder coupling system for coupling ahydraulic cylinder to a track tensioning system. A track tensioningsystem for a track vehicle may include a hydraulic cylinder forgenerating a track-tensioning force. A cylinder coupling system forcoupling the cylinder to the track tensioning system includes a cylinderendcap that is coupled to the hydraulic cylinder assembly, a linkage armhaving orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes, a spherical bearing that is coupledto the linkage arm, and a shaft that is coupled to the spherical bearingand the cylinder endcap. The cylinder endcap may have portions defininga slot for receiving the linkage arm. The cylinder endcap may also haveportions defining a bore for receiving the shaft. The cylinder couplingsystem may permit the linkage arm to pivot around each of the X, Y, andZ axes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tracked vehicle having a tracktensioning system.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the tracked vehicle of FIG.1 showing a track tensioning system.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a track tensioningsystem having a cylinder assembly in a retracted position.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a track tensioningsystem showing the cylinder assembly of FIG. 3 in an extended position.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top plan view of a track tensioning system.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a track tensioning system.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a track tensioning system.

FIG. 8 is a cabinet projection pictorial view of a frame for use with atrack tensioning system.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a spherical bearing that may be used ina track tensioning system.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a hydraulic system for a track tensioningsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A tracked machine 20 as shown in FIG. 1 has two or more tracks 25, 30that typically each engage a plurality of wheels 35, 40. A left track 25is mounted on a left side 26 of the machine 20 and a right track 30,shown in FIG. 1, is mounted to a right side 31 of the machine. In theembodiments shown, the left and right tracks 25, 30 each engage aplurality of weight-bearing wheels 35 that support the weight of thetracked machine. Each track is also shown to engage a track tensioningwheel 40. The position of the track tensioning wheel 40 may be adjustedto increase or decrease the tension in the track. The track tensioningwheel 40 as shown in FIG. 1 may be biased upwardly and rearwardlythrough to tension the right track 30.

Improved track machine 20 features a track tensioning system 60, shownin FIGS. 2-7, that uses a single cylinder assembly 65 to bias bothtensioning wheels 40 and tension both tracks 25, 30 equally andsimultaneously. The system includes left and right wheel plateassemblies 41, 42. The right wheel plate assembly 42 is shown in FIGS.2-4. Each wheel plate assembly includes a pivoting side plate or wheelplate 45. Each wheel plate assembly also includes a track tensioningwheel 40 that is rotatably coupled to the pivoting side plate 41, 42.The track tensioning wheel 40 is rotatable around a rotation axis 43,shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 5, a coupling system, such as a rocker arm assembly orrocker plate assembly 95, pivotably couples the wheel plate assemblies41, 42 together to balance the tension in the tracks 25, 30. The rockerassembly 95 also couples the wheel plate assemblies 41, 42 to thecylinder assembly 65.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the wheel plate assemblies 41, 42 are eachpivotable around a pivot member 50. The pivot 50 is coupled to thestructural frame 55 of the machine 20. Each pivot member 50 defines apivot axis 51, 52 that is substantially parallel to the rotation axisand is displaced from the wheel rotation axis 43. Each side plate 45pivots through a pivot plane 53, 54 that is perpendicular to the pivotaxis 51, as shown in FIG. 5. While the left and right pivot planes 53,54 as shown are substantially parallel to each other and orientedsubstantially vertically, other orientations may be used.

To tension the right track shown in FIG. 1, the wheel plate assembly 41shown in FIG. 2 may be pivoted rearwardly in a track-tensioning arcaround the pivot 50 in a clockwise rotation. Conversely, to reduce thetrack tension, the wheel plate assembly 41 may be pivoted forwardly in acounter-clockwise rotation.

A biasing system for biasing the side plate 45 and tensioning wheel 40to tension the tracks is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. A force generatingsystem, such as a hydraulic cylinder assembly 65 or a spring, is coupledto both the frame 55 and the rocker assembly 95. The hydraulic cylinderassembly 65 includes a hydraulic cylinder 70, a piston, and a couplingendcap 72.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the frame 55 includes two side members 75that are connected by a crossmember 80. One end 85 of the hydrauliccylinder assembly 65 is supported by a pocket in the cross-member. Thehydraulic cylinder assembly 65 pivots in a generally vertical planearound the pocket-supported end of the cylinder assembly. The other end90 of the hydraulic cylinder assembly 65 has a cylinder endcap 72 thatis coupled to the rocker assembly 95.

The rocker assembly 95 includes a rocker arm 97 or rocker plate havingan elongated body. The rocker arm body has a middle portion 96 that iscoupled to the cylinder endcap 72 and two ends 99 that are coupled tothe two side plates 45. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the cylinder endcap 72has a slot 98 for receiving the rocker arm 75. The rocker arm 97 isnarrowed at the middle portion 96 to permit the rocker arm to pivotwithout interfering with the cylinder assembly 65. As shown in FIG. 5,the rocker arm 97 has a neutral position in which it is substantiallyperpendicular to the side plates 45.

The coupling between the hydraulic cylinder assembly 65 and the rockerassembly 95 may be accomplished with a spherical bearing 100, shown inFIG. 9. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the spherical bearing may be pressedinto the rocker assembly 95 and coupled to the endcap 72 with a shaft109. The spherical bearing 100 permits the rocker arm to pivot in threedimensions relative to the endcap 72.

As shown in FIG. 9, the spherical bearing 100 includes an outer ring 101and an inner ring 111. The outer ring 101 has a cylindrically shapedouter surface 102 and a spherically shaped inner surface 103. The outersurface 112 of the inner ring has a spherical shape that matches theinner surface 103 of the outer ring 101. The inner surface 113 of theinner ring 111 has a cylindrical or tapered bore to accommodate acylindrical shaft or a tapered shaft.

Spherical bearings may also be used to couple the side plates 45 to therocker arm 95. As shown in FIG. 6, a spherical bearing 105 may bepressed into the side plates 45 and a shaft 120 may coupled to thespherical bearing and welded to the rocker arm.

Referring to FIG. 6, a pivot member 50 extends inwardly from each sideplate 45. One or more bushings 114, shown in FIG. 8, may be coupled tothe frame for receiving the pivot members 50. The bushing may be formedfor example by integrating into the frame a tube having an innerdiameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pivotmember 50. Together, the bushings 114 and pivot members 50 pivotablycouple the side plates 45 to the frame 55 so that the side plates andtensioning wheels 40 may be adjusted to tension the tracks.

To maintain proper alignment between the tracks and the wheel plateassemblies, the wheel plate assemblies 41, 42 are slidably supported bythe frame. As shown in FIG. 5, the side plates 45 are positioned againstthe frame 55. An inside surface 106 of each side plate 45 is placedagainst an outside surface 107 of a frame member or side wall 75. Theconfiguration of the side plates 45 against the frame 55 prevents theside plates 45 and tensioning wheels 40 from moving inwardly out ofalignment with the track.

To prevent the side plates from moving outwardly out of alignment withthe track, the side plates 45 may be coupled together by one or moretensioning members 117. The rocker arm assembly 95, for example, mayfunction as a tensioning member to locate the side plates 45. As shownin FIG. 7, a portion of the shaft 120 extends through the sphericalbearing 105 and protrudes on the outside of the side plate 45. Theprotruding portion of the shaft 120 may be threaded to receive a nut122. The nut may be secured on the threaded shaft against the sideplates to prevent outward displacement of the side plates under loadingfrom the tracks. To provide additional support, a bolt 115 may beextended through the pivot members 50 and capped by a nut 117 whichengages the side plate 45. The bolt 115 provides additional tensionforce to prevent the side plates 45 and wheels 40 from moving outwardlyout of alignment with the tracks.

To adjust the tension in the tracks, the cylinder assembly 65 may beextended or retracted as necessary. For example, to increase the tensionin the tracks, the cylinder assembly 65 is extended outwardly to biasthe rocker arm 97 and wheel plate assemblies 41, 42 toward the rear ofthe machine 20. Extending the cylinder assembly 65 from theconfiguration shown in FIG. 3 to the configuration shown in FIG. 4 willpivot the side plate 45 and wheel 40 to increase the tension in thetrack.

The hydraulic cylinder 70 may be provided in a constant pressureconfiguration which provides for automatic tensioning of the track andreduces or eliminates the need for adjustment of the pressure within thehydraulic cylinder during operation of the system. Assuming the systembegins in equilibrium with proper tension in both tracks, increasing ordecreasing the tension in one or both tracks will generate an automaticresponse in the tensioning system to adjust the track tension and bringthe system back into equilibrium. For example, when the tension in thetracks is decreased below the proper tension, the cylinder assembly 65will extend outwardly to increase the track tension until the tracktension is balanced against the constant pressure in the cylinder.Similarly, when tension in the tracks is increased above the propertension, the cylinder assembly 65 will retract inwardly to relievetension in the tracks until the track tension is again balanced againstthe constant pressure in the cylinder. Because the constant pressuresystem responds automatically to changes in track tension, there isordinarily no need for an operator to adjust the cylinder pressureduring normal operation of the machine.

The track tensioning system may also balance the tension in the twotracks. Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the side plates 45 andtensioning wheels 40 pivot around the pivot members 50 in generally thesame plane as the cylinder assembly 65. Referring now to FIG. 5, becausethe side plates 45 are coupled together by the rocker assembly 95,pivoting one side plate forwardly tends to cause the other side plate topivot rearwardly. For example, if the cylinder assembly is held in fixedposition, an increase in tension in the right track 30 will cause therocker assembly 95 to pivot counter-clockwise, affecting a reduction oftension in the right track while increasing the tension in thelower-tensioned left track 25. In this manner, the system mayautomatically balance the tension in the tracks.

Because the hydraulic cylinder assembly 65 and rocker arm assembly 95function together to adjust and balance track tension, the system mayequally and simultaneously tension both tracks. For example, when thecylinder assembly 65 is configured in a constant pressure arrangement asdescribed above, an increase in tension in the right track 30 will causethe cylinder assembly 65 to retract and will also cause the rockerassembly 95 to pivot counter-clockwise, so that the tension in the righttrack may be relieved without affecting the tension in the left track25.

The track tensioning wheels 40 may also function as drive wheels fordriving the tracks. For example, the tensioning wheels 40 may be coupledto a hydrostatic drive system. As shown in FIG. 6, a hydraulic motor 125may be coupled to the track tensioning wheels 40 for powering the wheelsand driving the track. A gear system such as a planetary gear system mayalso be used to provide proper torque and speed drive characteristics inthe system. In FIG. 6, the gear system is housed in gear housing 130. Abrake system may also be provided in a brake housing 135. The brakesystem may for example be a multi-disc hydraulic brake system.

The track tensioning system may advantageously include a relief valve140 in the hydraulic system 145 for relieving pressure in the cylinderassembly. When the tracked machine 20 is driven into a stationaryobject, such as a stump, a pressure spike may develop in the hydrauliccylinder 70. To reduce the opportunity for damage to mechanical orhydraulic components, the relief valve 140 will open during a pressurespike to relieve pressure in the hydraulic system and permit rapidretraction of the track tensioning wheel 40. Providing a relief valvemay eliminate the need for an accumulator in the hydraulic system. Acheck valve may also be provided for protecting the pump againstpressure spikes.

The track tensioning system may also facilitate simplified service orrepair of the drive components. For example, when the hydraulic drivesystem is coupled to the track tensioning wheel 40, the hydraulic systemcomponents may be serviced without de-tracking the vehicle. Thehydraulic brake or motor may be removed or replaced simply by retractingthe hydraulic cylinder 70 to slacken the tracks. The machine 20 may alsoadvantageously be fitted with rubber tracks, which generally requireless maintenance and cause less damage to roadways than metal tracks.

In FIGS. 1 to 5, the track tensioning system is shown located at therear of the tracked machine 20. The track tensioning system may,however, be located at the rear of the machine. As previously discussed,the opportunity for damage to components when the machine is backed intoan unseen stump or other object may be reduced by locating the tracktensioning system at the rear of the machine. However, other advantagesmay be achieved by locating the track tensioning system at the front ofthe machine. For example, locating the track tensioning system at thefront of the machine provides a higher angle of attack to enhance theability of the machine to travel over obstacles such as logs and rocks.Depending on the intended application for the tracked machine, the tracktensioning system may be located either at the front or the rear of themachine.

The above specification and examples provide a description of themanufacture and use of the invention. Since many embodiments of theinvention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention, the invention resides in the claims.

I claim:
 1. A track tensioning system for a tracked vehicle having leftand right tracks, the track tensioning system comprising a pivotingrocker arm assembly for balancing the tension in the left and righttracks, and a biasing system for simultaneously providing tracktensioning to both tracks by biasing each track through atrack-tensioning arc.
 2. The track tensioning system of claim 1 whereinthe biasing system comprises a linear force-generating system forgenerating a track-tensioning force.
 3. The track tensioning system ofclaim 2 wherein the linear force-generating system comprises a spring.4. The track tensioning system of claim 2 wherein the linearforce-generating system comprises a piston and cylinder assembly.
 5. Thetrack tensioning system of claim 4 wherein the linear force-generatingsystem is coupled to the biasing system and the pivoting rocker armassembly is configured for transmitting the track-tensioning force fromthe linear force-generating system to the tracks.
 6. A track tensioningsystem for tensioning a left and right track on a tracked vehicle, thetrack tensioning system comprising: a left track tensioning wheel thatis rotatable around a left rotation axis and pivotable in a left pivotplane around a left pivot axis that is displaced from the left rotationaxis, the left track tensioning wheel being arranged and configured toengage the left track; a right track tensioning wheel that is rotatablearound a right rotation axis and pivotable in a right pivot plane arounda right pivot axis that is displaced from the right rotation axis, theright track tensioning wheel being arranged and configured to engage theright track; a force generating system for providing a track tensioningforce; and a coupling system arranged and configured to couple the lefttrack tensioning wheel and right track tensioning wheel to the forcegenerating system, the coupling system also being adapted and configuredto transmit the track tensioning force from the force generating systemto the left and right track tensioning wheels for tensioning the leftand right track.
 7. The track tensioning system of claim 6 wherein thecoupling system comprises a rocker plate that is pivotably coupled tothe force generating system for balancing the tension in the left andright tracks.
 8. The track tensioning system of claim 7 wherein therocker plate is coupled to the force generating system with a sphericalbearing.
 9. The track tensioning system of claim 8 wherein the forcegenerating system comprises a piston and cylinder assembly.
 10. Thetrack tensioning system of claim 9 wherein extending the piston andcylinder assembly tensions the tracks.
 11. The track tensioning systemof claim 9 wherein the piston and cylinder assembly comprises a firstend and a second end and wherein the second end of the piston andcylinder assembly is coupled to the rocker plate by the sphericalbearing.
 12. The track tensioning system of claim 11 wherein the framecomprises portions defining a pocket for receiving the first end of thepiston and cylinder assembly.
 13. The track tensioning system of claim 7wherein the left pivot plane and right pivot plane are substantiallyparallel.
 14. The track tensioning system of claim 13 wherein the leftpivot plane and right pivot plane are substantially vertical.
 15. Thetrack tensioning system of claim 13 wherein the rocker plate has aneutral position in which the rocker plate is substantiallyperpendicular to the left pivot plane and right pivot plane.
 16. Thetrack tensioning system of claim 7 wherein the coupling system furthercomprises a left wheel plate that couples the rocker plate to the lefttrack tensioning wheel and a right wheel plate that couples the rockerplate to the right track tensioning wheel.
 17. The track tensioningsystem of claim 16 further comprising a bolt that couples the left wheelplate to the right wheel plate.
 18. The track tensioning system of claim7 further comprising a left spherical bearing for coupling the leftwheel plate to the rocker plate and a right spherical bearing forcoupling the right wheel plate to the rocker plate.
 19. The tracktensioning system of claim 18 wherein the tracked vehicle definesorthogonal X, Y, and Z axes and wherein the rocker plate is pivotablearound the X, Y and Z axes.
 20. A track tensioning system forsimultaneously tensioning left and right tracks on a tracked vehicle,the track tensioning system comprising: a frame; a left wheel plateassembly that is coupled to the frame, the left wheel plate assemblycomprising a left wheel that is rotatable around a wheel rotation axis,the left wheel plate assembly being pivotable in a left pivot planearound a left pivot axis that is displaced from the wheel rotation axis,the left wheel plate assembly being arranged and configured to engagethe left track; a right wheel plate assembly that is coupled to theframe, the right wheel plate assembly comprising a right wheel that isrotatable around a wheel rotation axis, the right wheel plate assemblybeing pivotable in a right pivot plane around a right pivot axis that isdisplaced from the wheel rotation axis, the right wheel plate assemblybeing arranged and configured to engage the right track; a rocker platethat is coupled to the left and right wheel plate assemblies; a cylinderassembly having a front end and a back end, the front end beingpivotably coupled to the rocker plate, the back end being supported bythe frame; wherein actuating the cylinder assembly biases the rockerplate and the left and right wheel plate assemblies to tension the leftand right tracks.
 21. The track tensioning system of claim 20 whereinthe left pivot plane is substantially parallel to the right pivot plane.22. The track tensioning system of claim 21 wherein the left and rightpivot planes are substantially vertical.
 23. The track tensioning systemof claim 21 wherein the rocker plate has a neutral position in which therocker plate is substantially perpendicular to the left and right wheelplate assemblies.
 24. The track tensioning system of claim 20 whereinthe left and right wheel plate assemblies are each pivotable in threedimensions relative to the rocker plate.
 25. The track tensioning systemof claim 24 wherein the left and right wheel assemblies are each coupledto the rocker plate with a spherical bearing.
 26. The track tensioningsystem of claim 20 wherein the rocker plate is pivotable in threedimensions relative to the cylinder assembly.
 27. The track tensioningsystem of claim 26 wherein the rocker plate is coupled to the cylinderassembly with a spherical bearing.
 28. The track tensioning system ofclaim 20, wherein the cylinder assembly moves through a substantiallyvertical cylinder pivot plane.
 29. The track tensioning system of claim20 wherein the frame comprises a left supporting surface and a rightsupporting surface, and wherein the left wheel plate assembly isslidably supported by the left supporting surface of the frame and theright wheel plate assembly is slidably supported by the right supportingsurface of the frame.
 30. The track tensioning system of claim 29wherein the left wheel plate assembly is laterally displaced a distancefrom the right wheel plate assembly and wherein the left and rightsupporting surfaces of the frame prevent the left and right wheel plateassemblies from moving inward out of alignment with the tracks andwherein the rocker plate prevents the left and right wheel plateassemblies from moving outward out of alignment with the tracks.
 31. Thetrack tensioning system of claim 30 wherein the left and right wheelplate assemblies are each coupled to the rocker plate with a sphericalbearing and wherein the system further comprises a shaft coupled to eachend of the rocker plate, each shaft comprising a body for engaging aspherical bearing and a threaded end extending outwardly beyond thespherical bearing, the system further comprising a nut engaged on thethreaded end of each shaft.
 32. The track tensioning system of claim 30wherein the system further comprises a bolt that couples the left plateassembly to the right plate assembly.
 33. The track tensioning system ofclaim 20 wherein the left wheel assembly and right wheel assembly eachcomprise a drive wheel that is coupled to a hydraulic drive motor. 34.The track tensioning system of claim 33 wherein the left wheel assemblycomprises a drive plate, a gear system housing coupled to the driveplate, and a gear system contained within the gear system housing, thegear system being coupled to the hydraulic motor and the drive wheel.35. The track tensioning system of claim 34 wherein the gear systemcomprises a planetary gear system.
 36. The track tensioning system ofclaim 33 wherein the left wheel rotation axis is substantially parallelto the left pivot axis.
 37. The track system of claim 20 wherein aconstant pressure is maintained in the cylinder assembly.
 38. The tracksystem of claim 20 further comprising a relief valve for relievingpressure in the cylinder to permit retraction of the left and rightwheel plate assemblies when the interaction of the track tensioningsystem with a stationary object causes a pressure spike.
 39. A method ofadjusting the tension in a left and right track on a tracked vehicle,the method comprising: providing a frame; providing a left tracktensioning system arranged and configured to bias the left track throughan arc for tensioning the left track; providing a right track tensioningsystem arranged and configured to bias the right track through an arcfor tensioning the right track; providing a cylinder assembly forproviding a track tensioning force; providing a load coupling andbalancing system for coupling the cylinder assembly to the left tracktensioning system and the right track tensioning system, the loadcoupling and balancing system comprising a rocker arm that is coupled tothe left track tensioning system and the right track tensioning system;extending the cylinder assembly to increase the tension in the tracks;retracting the cylinder assembly to decrease the tension in the tracks;and pivoting the rocker plate to balance the tension in the two tracks.40. The method of claim 39 further comprising the step of providing aconstant pressure in the cylinder assembly.
 41. The method of claim 40wherein providing constant pressure in the cylinder assembly causes thecylinder assembly to extend in response to a reduction in tension in thetracks.
 42. A track tensioning system comprising: a frame having a leftside and a right side; a cylinder assembly pivotably coupled to theframe, the cylinder assembly comprising a cylinder and a piston slidablydisposed within the cylinder; a rocker assembly comprising a rocker arm,the rocker assembly coupled to the cylinder assembly with a sphericalbearing; a left track interface assembly that is pivotably coupled tothe left side of the frame, the left track interface assembly comprisinga left side plate that is coupled to the rocker assembly with aspherical bearing and a left wheel arranged and configured to interfacewith a left vehicular drive track, the left wheel rotatably coupled tothe left side plate; and a right track interface assembly that ispivotably coupled to the right side of the frame, the right trackinterface assembly comprising a right side plate that is coupled to therocker assembly with a spherical bearing and a right wheel arranged andconfigured to interface with a right vehicular drive track, the rightwheel rotatably coupled to the right side plate; wherein sliding thepiston in the cylinder actuates the rocker arm and pivots the firsttrack interface assembly and second track interface assembly around thepivot axis to adjust the tension in the first and second drive track.43. The track tensioning system of claim 42 wherein the track left andright track interface assemblies each comprise a drive mechanism. 44.The track tensioning system of claim 43 wherein drive mechanismcomprises a hydraulic drive motor.
 45. The track tensioning system ofclaim 44 wherein the track interface assembly further comprises a leftpivot member extending inwardly for pivotably coupling the left trackinterface assembly to the frame.